Tired but thrilled, Tom Simmat is leading the Red Cross Murray Marathon, coming in on the first day with a time of five hours, 35 minutes and 32 seconds.
Little wonder he took first-day honours, considering he has a Hawkesbury Classic record, a Canadian Yukon River Quest (the longest canoe race in the world) and three previous Murray Marathons tucked under his belt.
Echuca policeman Rod Clark and first-time river marathon paddler Ian Newland from Queensland took second place, and they were closely followed by Stuart Nicol and Tony Bond, also from Echuca. Fastest outright winners for the day were partners on the river and off, Kim Willocks and Dave Provan, who say their secret weapon on the water is comfortable silence.
Coming first in the open schools category are last year's winner, the Woodleigh Water Rats with a time of six hours, 34 minutes and seven seconds. They were followed closely by Wellers A and Trinity Green.
The strong sense of mateship among the competitors is apparent as competitors help one another slap on sunscreen and insect repellant on hard-to-reach places.
'I remember the sense of camaraderie the most, from all my Murray Marathon experiences,' says leader Tom Simmat.
'Sure, you've got a few hundred people there. But every one says hi when you paddle past. You get chatting and really get to know one another,' he adds.
As temperatures climb and paddlers start to weary, it's not unusual for them to feel vulnerable as they make their way along 404kms of the mighty Murray. So it's reassuring to know fellow paddlers are there for mutual support and a spot of friendly competition of course.
'Once, our rudder fell apart. This guy just came over and helped us out for 20 minutes, not worrying about having fallen behind,' says Catherine Tudor of South Yarra.
One of the longest canoe races in the world, the Red Cross Murray Marathon started in Yarrawonga on December 27, and arrives in Swan Hill on New Year's Eve. Today, paddlers make their way from Tocumwal to Picnic Point, and they're expected to arrive in Echuca tomorrow after lunch.
Funds raised by paddlers and their dedicated support crew help Red Cross deliver services to vulnerable people in Victoria, from reuniting families who have been separated by war or disaster to helping communities cope after major emergencies.
